About this place
The Vienna State Opera is more than a building; it is a barometer for the city's soul. Opened in 1869, it was initially criticized so heavily that one of its architects committed suicide. Under the directorship of Gustav Mahler, the opera was modernized—he dimmed the lights during performances, forcing the audience to focus on the stage rather than each other. Destroyed by American bombers in 1945, its reconstruction was a national priority, symbolizing Austria's resurrection from the ashes of WWII.
Key facts
- 1709 seats — Are available in the auditorium, plus 567 standing places
- 1945 year — The building was gutted by fire after an aerial bombing
- 10 years — Gustav Mahler served as director, revolutionizing opera
📍 Opernring 2, 1010, Wien